Wall Clock c. 1880

This wall clock was made by L’Escalier de Cristal, a Parisian retailer known for luxury goods. It features gilt bronze, enamel, and glass. These are not exactly traditional materials, but rather luxurious ones. The clock's extravagant use of enamel is striking; a reminder that this was very much a luxury object. The enamel creates a smooth, vibrant surface that contrasts with the intricate gilt bronze frame. The dragon is particularly impressive, a complex casting showing its sinuous form. The design evokes both the traditions of European clockmaking, and Japonisme, a style that swept through Europe in the late 19th century. Clocks like these weren't just time-telling devices; they were statements of wealth and taste. The level of craftsmanship involved speaks to the specialized labor of the period, a testament to the skilled artisans employed by firms like L’Escalier de Cristal, catering to an elite clientele eager to display their status.